Jimmie Joe Farnsworth

Jimmie Joe Farnsworth, age 91 of Knoxville, TN , was called home to the Lord on Thursday, December 17, 2015 to join his beloved wife, Maysel Inez “Baker” Farnsworth of 56 years and his much loved grandson, Joshua Tyler Massey. He was born on March 1, 1924 in Wewoka, Oklahoma. He was the son of Oscar Little Farnsworth and Martha Elizabeth Kidd. He spent most of his life in Tulsa, Oklahoma and graduated from Central High School. He loved his family and his country. He joined the Navy during World War II at the age of 18. He was a radio operator on the DeGrasse and The USS Flint. He then attended Draughon’s Business School in Tulsa, OK, where he met his wife “Inie”. They were married February 9, 1947. For several years he worked two jobs to support his family, First National Bank of Tulsa and Skelly Oil Company. He eventually left First National and worked with oil leases at Skelly. Later he moved to Amarillo, TX to work for Sante Fe Energy Company. He and his wife spent their retirement years in TN. He enjoyed woodworking and spent time making and selling family heirlooms. He provided his daughters with the example of love and responsibility. He believed that anything worth having is worth working for. He wrote a book about his life titled, “Say It Now, Say It With Love”. In it he speaks of his three daughters in gratitude for their life. “These girls are my stars and I acknowledge and thank God and my wife for their presence”. He often remarked that he was a blessed man. Jim is survived by his three daughters; Teddie Rae Reed and husband Steve, Mary Lee Boucher and husband Bill, and Lori Ann Michael; grandchildren, Stephen C. Reed and wife Leslie, Merritt Hulsewe’ and husband Ewoud, Jennifer Massey and husband Fenton, Sarah Job and husband Charlie, Kirsten Babb, Nathan Michael. Jeremy Michael and wife Jessica, Kim Massey, wife of the late Joshua Massey; and eleven great grandchildren, Corbin, Emma, Peyton, Alije, Seanna, Sky, Alex, Dylan, Penny, Silas, and Ellie. Dad, we thank God for your presence and love in our family’s life. In January of 2016 the family will announce dates for committal of Jimmie with full military honors at the East Tennessee State Veteran Cemetery in Knoxville, TN. Jones Mortuary in Clinton, TN is in charge of all arrangements.